You got gypped out of Mother’s Day last year because the monster that was formerly within decided he didn’t have to come out until a week later. So this is your first Mother’s Day and you’ve had to wait a whole year to get it. I know we celebrated earlier ones for the other “children”, but after this year, I know those really, really didn’t count. Our roles are so different now, you work 24 hours a day or at least are on call 24 hours a day, I go to work for my eight hours and then usually, make you keep on working. It’s pretty lopsided when I think about it, but I sure do appreciate it. I know that there’s nothing better than coming home and having Nick jump and yell and bang at the door while I walk up the path. You’re always with him, so you don’t get the same thing that I do. That’s a shame, because it is truly wonderful. On the other hand, of course, you are with him all day whereas I think about being with both of you all day.

I saw how truly strong and beautiful you are a year ago today when Nicholas was born. It’s been a hard year, but my faith in you and your natural skill as mother has never wavered and you have shown, every day, that Nick has the best deal that anyone could ask for. That makes me lucky too, because you’ve taken the hard work out of being a dad and I get to enjoy my family as soon as I get home every day. I think that you embody what being a mom is all about, with love, compassion, patience and trust. I know that I could not have found a better mate and mother of my son, you are the gold standard and the reason I look forward to having more of these shrieking monkeys. They’d be the luckiest shrieking monkeys around with the best home and an absolutely unparalleled mother.

Happy Mother’s Day, Katie. I’m always happy to remind you that Nick and I love you more than anything else, ever.